Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurer Anthem Announces Plan to Acquire Cigna

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) September 18, 2015

In a deal that would expand its current customer base to an estimated 53 million consumers, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has announced plans to acquire Cigna in a stock and cash deal by the second half of 2016, according to a July 24, 2015, article on CNN Money. In the wake of the Affordable Care Act, several of the largest insurance health plan and pharmacy providers have merged in recent years.

"As with any proposed merger between two publicly traded companies, the next step after Anthem's announcement of its intention to merge with Cigna is to submit the proposed deal to federal regulators for approval," said Adam Millstein, Vice President of ML Medical Billing.

Citing concerns over reduced competition and potentially less choice and higher prices for consumers with the majority of health insurance plan options concentrated with just a small handful of massive companies, like Blue Cross, Aetna, and United Health, the American Medical Association is eyeing the deal with caution. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are expected to subject the deal to sharp scrutiny before approval in order to ensure that the merger will not be detrimental to consumers and medical providers. Representatives for Cigna and Anthem contend that the deal will lead to an expanded network of doctors, and therefore, more choice for consumers.

"It's difficult to predict exactly how the merger will affect customers of Cigna, and the individual doctors and medical practices currently operating under their health insurance plans," added Mr. Millstein. "At ML Medical Billing, we work to make sure that health care providers have the tools they need to offer their patients the best care possible."

ML Medical Billing is a family-owned, local company operating for 30 years and servicing more than 150 physicians nationally between branches in Illinois, Florida and California. The company's services include Reports, Coding, Billing, Claims Follow-Up, Posting, Statements, Regulatory Requirements, Software training/ consulting, provider coding education, fee schedule modifications, industry awareness, ICD-10. PQRI/PQRS, Monthly Analysis Reports, Appeals, Start-Up Practice Guidance.

To learn more about ML Medical Billing and their services, please call 877-789-3593 or visit http://www.mlbilling.com.

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